After melanoma diagnosis, West Valley man encourages sun safety

WEST VALLEY CITY — When Jim Barnhurst first noticed a spot on his right leg, he didn't think it was anything serious.

"It looked like a pimple," he said. "Two months later, it came back a little bit bigger."

As the spot continued to grow, Barnhurst decided to contact his dermatologist.

"I probably should have had it checked out sooner," he said.

He was diagnosed with advanced melanoma that had spread to his liver and other parts of his body.

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, with melanoma being the most dangerous form. More than 100,000 Americans are diagnosed with melanoma each year.

"Melanoma is absolutely the most aggressive form of skin cancer, and that comes from its potential to spread or metastasize to other parts of our body," said Dr. Caroline Nebhan, a medical oncologist at Intermountain Health.

Utah has the highest melanoma rate in the country — about twice the national average — due in part to high elevation and a year-round outdoor lifestyle. Melanoma can develop anywhere on the skin, including hidden or unexposed areas like under the fingernails or on the soles of the feet.

Risk factors include sun exposure, age, family history, genetics and skin tone, though melanoma can affect people of any skin color. Doctors say even a single sunburn can increase risk.

"Any time our skin is changing color, we're getting that tan, we are getting damage to the DNA of our skin cells, and that in and of itself increases our risk for melanoma," Nebhan said.

Watch for warning signs

Experts recommend using the ABCDE rule to identify concerning moles:

• Asymmetry: One side of the mole does not match the other.
• Border: The edges are irregular, jagged or uneven.
• Color: The mole has multiple colors or uneven coloring.
• Diameter: The spot is larger than a pencil eraser.
• Evolving: The mole changes in size, shape, color or texture.

"Always seek care for a mole that's bleeding or scaling, anything that's more high risk," Nebhan said.

Experts also recommend limiting sun exposure during peak hours, wearing sunscreen and using protective clothing when outdoors.

"I wear long-sleeve shirts all the time now," Barnhurst said.

Barnhurst said his experience has made him far more aware of sun safety. After undergoing immunotherapy treatment, he said he's feeling healthy again and hopes others pay attention to changes in their skin.

"When you see a sun spot or a spot that keeps coming back on your skin, you need to get it checked out," he said.

Doctors also caution against tanning bed use, saying even one visit can significantly increase the risk of melanoma.

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